Technics Grand Class Direct-Drive Turntable System SL-1200G

Panasonic Technics is proud to announce the (non-limited) Grand Class Direct-Drive Turntable System SL-1200G for audiophiles looking to rediscover and experience the uniquely warm sound quality of analogue vinyl discs.

Due to the widespread use of CDs, turntable systems have been absent as major competitors in the audio market, however an ever increasing consumer interest in vinyl records has prompted the launch of a new system for Hi-Fi use.

Overcoming Analogue Issues of the Past
Direct drive turntable systems have been beloved by Hi-Fi enthusiasts since their introduction by Technics in 1970. However, one problem that direct-drive systems have always faced was the possibility of sound quality degradations caused by 'cogging’, or tiny vibrations of the motor and rotational speed fluctuations. However, by combining the knowledge and expertise gained as the originator of direct-drive turntable systems with a newly developed coreless direct-drive motor without an iron core, this ‘cogging’ can be eliminated. Any potential minute motor vibrations are suppressed even further by high-precision rotary positioning sensors guided by a microprocessor controlled system; a feature unique to the new Technics turntable.

The Technics turntable aims to provide the smoothest possible rotary control by the use of an encoder at the bottom of the motor which detects the precise rotating angle.

Furthermore, twin rotator construction reduces the bearing load while maintaining high torque and also limits minute vibration during rotation making it possible to reproduce the warm sound and subtle nuances of musical expression engraved in the analogue record grooves and craved by vinyl lovers.

Broadcast Industry Beating Three-layered Platter
The platter has three-layered construction consisting of a rigidly combined heavyweight brass top surface, aluminum die-cast center and a deadening rubber material covering its bottom surface. This eliminates unnecessary resonance, achieving high rigidity and vibration damping. The smooth rotational stability and inertial mass even surpasses the Technics SP-10MK2, the direct-drive turntable standard used in the past by broadcast stations worldwide.

High Dampening Tonearm
The tonearm employs a lightweight material*1 which has been cold drawn to improve the characteristics of the material and increase the dampening effect.
*1 NOTE: This is a modification from previous announcement in January 2016:
The SL-1200G tonearm will also employ cold drawn magnesium material just as the SL-1200GAE to preserve the highest audiophile sound quality.

In addition, high initial-motion sensitivity is attained by employing the traditional Technics gimbal suspension construction with the horizontal rotation axis and the vertical rotation axis intersecting at a single central point, as well as high-precision bearings using a cut-processed housing.

Four-layered Cabinet Construction
A 10-mm-thick top panel of immaculate aluminum has been added to the previous three-layered construction of aluminum die cast, Bulk Moulding Compound (BMC) and heavyweight-class rubber. This four-layered construction combines high rigidity to reduce resonance with a premium finish and feel.

Released Later This Year
Grand Class SL-1200G will be available in autumn 2016 at the same price as 50th anniversary limited edition SL-1200GAE.

Specifications:

Grand Class SL-1200G *same as SL1200GAE
(Some spec criteria will be newly added. Apply the same to SL-1200GAE)

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company offers a wide range of consumer solutions in the U.S. including LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Blu-ray players, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Beauty, Grooming, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. In Interbrand’s 2014 annual “Best Global Green Brands” report, Panasonic ranked number five overall and the top electronics brand in the report. As part of continuing sustainability efforts, Panasonic Corporation of North America relocated its headquarters to a new facility, adjacent to Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ. It is the first newly constructed office tower in Newark to earn both LEED Platinum and Gold certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council. To learn more about our products, visit panasonic.com. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicUSA; additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.